Rep. Melanie Sachs (D) - The Trump administration has been ordered by a federal judge to pay SNAP benefits this month. However, the administration is fighting this in court – trying to keep 170,000 hungry Mainers from getting food. It is nothing short of cruel.
In the meantime, the state is stepping up to help alleviate some of the hardship. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is working extensively to prepare to quickly issue SNAP benefits when they arrive from the federal government. Additionally, MaineHousing announced earlier this week that it plans to reallocate some funds to pay heating assistance benefits to 4,000 households. This is a good thing, but it isn’t a sustainable long-term solution.
While Republicans in Washington play senseless political games with food and heating assistance – and have refused to extend the tax credits that so many Maine families depend on to afford their health insurance – Republicans in Augusta largely remain silent. Keeping people fed, warm and healthy shouldn’t be controversial. Their silence speaks volumes.
During this challenging time, please know support is available. 211 Maine helps connect Mainers with available resources, and a full list of statewide food resources can be found here.